Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO site located between Italy and Switzerland, is a perfect destination for those who love nature, breathtaking views and walking. This itinerary will take you to discover some of the most fascinating points of Monte San Giorgio, with interesting stops and unforgettable panoramas.

Start of the route:

Departure from Besano: The route starts from the parking lot of Monte San Giorgio in Besano, located behind the headquarters of the Alpini. From here a comfortable path in the woods leads to the Rio Ponticelli Park.
Stage 1: Rio Ponticelli

Forest trail: The path is easy and surrounded by nature, ideal for a pleasant walk of about half an hour.
Rio Ponticelli: This area is famous for the fossil finds and offers a relaxation area equipped with a splendid panoramic terrace on Lake Ceresio.
Stage 2: Former Mines

Continuation of the route: Continuing the walk, you reach the area of the former mines, where in the past oil shale was extracted.
Mining history: Oil shale was used to produce lighting oil and ichthyol. Excavation activities in the 19th century led to the discovery of important fossils.
Panorama: Also from this point, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Lake Ceresio and the surrounding mountains.
Return to Besano:

Return through the path: After exploring the area of the former mines, the route returns to the village of Besano.
Museum of Fossils in Besano: The visit ends at the Fossil Museum, where there are many finds found in Rio Ponticelli and in the area of the former mines. Among them, the Besanosaurus, a marine reptile discovered in 1993, which represents one of the most important pieces of the museum.

This itinerary offers a fascinating adventure between nature and history, allowing you to explore one of the most important fossil sites in the world, enjoying breathtaking views and a pleasant walk through the green of the province of Varese.

Where to stay: Discover our facilities

Experience in the surroundings: Insubrico Museum of Natural History in Clivio, Museo Civico dei Fossili di Besano, Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland), Lago di Lugano (Ceresio)

Do you want to be accompanied on this tour? Request a Licensed Tourist Guide. Contact us!

Plan your experience and your stay in the territory of Varese.

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